The injury problems are mounting for Newcastle United.
A number of key absences through various fitness issues and Sandro Tonali’s ten-month ban from football prevented Eddie Howe from naming a compelling bench away at Wolves on Saturday.
Newcastle’s growing absentee list comes at the worst possible time, too.
This coming week alone, they play in two competitions. Days after their game against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, Howe will take his team to Borussia Dortmund, so its clear this is a pivotal point of the season.
With that in mind, any further injury blows are most unwelcome.
Newcastle injuries: Jacob Murphy might need surgery
So Howe’s comments after the Wolves game do not make for nice reading.
He confirmed there was a fear Jacob Murphy may require surgery on the shoulder injury he sustained only minutes after coming on the pitch against Dortmund on Wednesday.
“And Jacob, we fear might need an operation on his shoulder,” he told Newcastle World.
Jacob Murphy: Huge blow for Newcastle
The idea of missing Murphy for some key games at a time when Howe could really do with rotating is a huge concern.
The 28-year-old was in fine form as Newcastle thrashed Crystal Palace, underlining his quality.
Highly valued by Howe given how often he’s turned to him, the £12m forward proved during that win he can make a big impact at the highest level, even if he isn’t the most fashionable of names.
Behind Miguel Almiron, there aren’t many other options to play at right wing. Not being able to call on Murphy would only increase the Paraguayan’s workload, which is hardly ideal.
Having worked so hard to make something of his Newcastle career, not being able to play a part in some potentially season-defining games must be gutting for Murphy.
Let’s hope he’s back soon.
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